We are in Madrid

Arrived in Madrid last night after 13 hour flight from Seoul. Would happily recommend Korean Air. Ian found the leg space to be fine, crew were very helpful and courteous, movie selection was good (so important on a long trip) and the food was reasonable.

We had been totally spoiled in the hotel layover in Seoul. The Grand Hyatt is very grand indeed. Beautifully designed and appointed, very spacious room, fantastic bathroom. Slept really well. KA also gave us meal vouchers to a buffet style restaurant. Ann was in seafood heaven but all the food was excellent with a huge variety available.

We arrived in Madrid at about 18.30. Security at the airport was 'light'. Immigration control barely glanced at our passports and we did not have to complete any disembarkation forms. We caught a taxi into town as we were too tired to negotiate the train, although we realised this morning that our hotel is very close to the main railway station at Atocha.

The route into Madrid was very congested. The route is part of a ring road round Madrid and we learned that it was the last day of school term which added to the traffic. The outer suburbs of Madrid present a rather depressing picture of brick tower apartment blocks, which look especially bleak on a late winter afternoon with bare trees.

Our hotel in Madrid is quite adequate but a marked step down from the luxury of the previous night. It is 4 stars but I don't think it get that rating in Australia. However it is clean, the room is a decent size and generally has all the facilities you expect in a European hotel. Do miss the tea/ coffee making gear we are used to in Australia. The phrase 'faded glory' is generally applicable I think.

It is very well located however. Close to Atocha station, the beautiful park- the Parque de el Retiro, around the corner from the Prado museum and easy walking distance to the central part of Madrid.

We were exhausted last night and had a slow start to our day. We basically followed the recommended tourist trail and walked through the central area taking in the Puerto del sol, Plaza Major, the royal palace and adjacent cathedral. A very walkable city with lots of plazas, imposing official buildings, lovely little laneways running off the bigger streets and plazas, and many monuments and statues. Reminiscent of Paris in features of its layout and design. Very clearly the seat of national government and administration. Vibrant. Lots of businesses and other activities which totally target tourism - like the groups of African men running through the streets with large 'bags' over their shoulders. The bags are ground sheets which they use to display their wares at different plazas - handbags, selfie sticks, cheap jewelry etc.

Public toilets are scarce to non-existent. Even the tourist office could only mention a couple. Cafes, bars, restaurants and museums are the place to go for these it seems.

On the whole I quite like Madrid so far. Our limited Spanish is getting us by and signs are generally easy to interpret. #
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